Temporary Contract Editor

Temporary Contract Editor

Real Change is seeking a Temporary Contract Editor to provide coverage for our weekly newspaper while a team member is on scheduled leave. This is an approximately 1.5-month position, beginning February 9, 2026 and anticipated to end on March 20, 2026, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement depending on organizational needs.

The primary responsibility of this role is to source and edit news content to ensure the successful publication of the print newspaper. Writing original articles is optional and not expected.

This role may be performed fully remotely, in person at Real Change’s office in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood, or in a hybrid arrangement. The position will report to the Executive Director or interim staff serving in that capacity and will work in close coordination with the Design Editor.

Real Change is Seattle’s progressive alternative newspaper that focuses on advocacy journalism dealing with issues of class and race. The paper is sold by our vendors, many of whom are people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Primary roles and responsibilities:

Curating news content (85%)

• Source and edit approximately six (6) articles per week for the newspaper, generated from a combination of the following:
  • Working with contributing writers to conceptualize and edit their pieces for publication
  • Coordinating with local news organizations to republish their original reporting (e.g., South Seattle Emerald, International Examiner, Washington State Standard, InvestigateWest, etc.)
  • Editing a regular weekly column written by Real Change’s Circulation Specialist
  • Selecting and preparing relevant content from wire services and other outlets that allow republication (e.g., the International Network of Street Papers, The 19th, ProPublica, The Conversation, OpenMind Magazine, The Revelator, etc.)
  • Soliciting and editing opinion pieces from community members
  • Identifying and republishing relevant content from the Real Change archives
  • (Optional, if time allows) Conducting original reporting and/or writing original articles, ideally focused on Real Change’s vendors and/or issues relevant to them
• Ensure all content meets editorial and fact-checking standards and republishing guidelines
• Ensure adherence to the Real Change style guide, in coordination with volunteer copy editors
• Identify one weekly cover feature and propose ideas for a cover art image to the Design Editor
• Obtain relevant permissions and coordinate with the Design Editor to select and prepare photographs, infographics, and other images to accompany articles
• Meet strict weekly newspaper production deadlines

Website and social media (10%)

• Send material to the Development Manager for social media content creation: a weekly content overview, solicitations for contributed and opinion pieces, and (optionally) synopses of articles to be featured
• Support Design Editor to upload any contributed and/or original articles to Real Change’s website on a weekly basis

General office duties (5%)

• Attend weekly staff meetings, with accommodations for virtual participation if needed

Required qualifications:

• Understanding of fundamental journalistic principles and ethics
• Strong editing skills, with attention to accuracy, grammar, style, clarity, and length
• Ability to hold oneself and others to firm deadlines
• Computer proficiency to learn and use the website content management system for article upload
• Proficiency with written communication and collaboration, particularly by email
• Ability to bring an anti-oppressive lens to all parts of this work, with a willingness to keep an open mind

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with freelance, contributing, and/or opinion writers in an editorial capacity
• Familiarity with newsroom workflows
• Existing relationships with local news organizations and journalists in the Seattle area

This contract includes the use of an office issued ORCA card for the duration of the contract.